Framlingham

Framlingham is a market town in East Suffolk in eastern England, spreading around a central square and a medieval fortification. The town combines narrow lanes with timber-framed houses, historic stone buildings, and green spaces that extend out to artificial lakes in the surrounding countryside.

The Norman settlement appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a small rural community before growing into a significant trading center. At the castle in 1553, Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England after gathering support here.

The market square remains the center of local life, where residents gather as they have for centuries to exchange regional produce. In the small shops along the main street, visitors today find handcrafted goods and products from the surrounding area.

Visitors usually arrive via road connections from Ipswich or surrounding villages, while the center is easy to explore on foot. On market days, Tuesday and Saturday, an early visit is recommended since stalls start packing up around midday.

The churchyard of St Michael holds the tomb of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, executed for treason in 1572. His burial here took place years after his beheading, once political tensions had eased.